Say Hello First

<p><strong style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Named an Editor's Pick by <em>Publishers Weekly's BookLife Reviews</em> (September 2025 Issue)</strong></p><p></p><h2>Say Hello First: A Therapist's Guide to Building Confidence and Finally Making Friends</h2><p>If making friends feels awkward intimidating or like something everyone else has figured out but you haven't you're not broken. You're not alone. You just haven't been shown how.</p><p></p><h3>Social confidence is the trust that you belong simply by being yourself and without needing to prove it.</h3><p>In this warm research-backed guide licensed therapist and social confidence expert Bianca Cummings helps you move beyond loneliness ease social anxiety and build the meaningful friendships you've been longing for-without changing who you are.</p><p></p><h3>The world is full of potential friends waiting for your energy to meet theirs.</h3><p>Blending psychology neuroscience and emotional wellness <em>Say Hello First </em>shows you how your internal energy shapes your external world. You'll learn how small shifts in presence mindset and behavior can rewire your brain for connection and create trust-naturally.</p><p>Whether you're shy starting over or just tired of feeling left out this book offers a grounded heart-forward path to connection and belonging.</p><p>You'll learn how to:</p><p></p><p><strong>Understand the science of human connection</strong></p><ul><li>Discover why your brain is wired for connection-and how to use that to your advantage</li><li>Learn the neuroscience of friendship through dopamine oxytocin mirror neurons and emotional synchrony</li><li>Use your emotional energy to create trust and emotional safety</li><li>Decode common blind spots like the liking gap spotlight effect and social comparison</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Rewire your mindset and emotions</strong></p><ul><li>Break free from self-criticism and stop overthinking in social situations</li><li>Calm anxiety and feel more at ease in your own skin</li><li>Build genuine confidence-without pretending or performing</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Apply real-world connection tools</strong></p><ul><li>Find new friends: where to go how to connect and who to approach</li><li>Start real conversations (even if small talk makes you cringe)</li><li>Make others feel safe and seen-the true secret to likability</li><li>Read body language and project warmth with presence and intention</li><li>And explore why your dog might just be your most powerful ally against loneliness</li></ul><p></p><p>This isn't about perfection or people-pleasing. Each chapter includes low-pressure science-backed tools like How You Can Do It summaries and quick actionable steps you can try right away.</p><p></p><p>Whether you're a teen adult or mental health professional <em>Say Hello First</em> gives you the confidence clarity and heart to move from disconnection to deep connection-starting with one small act of courage.</p>